"What!" said Cellini, "you know me, and, knowing me, seduced the woman who belonged to me. I know all, I have discovered everything, and you hope that I will spare you! You are laughing at me, Pagolo, you are laughing at me."
Benvenuto himself laughed aloud as he spoke; but it was a strident, terrible laugh, which made the apprentice shudder to his marrow.
"Master! master!" cried Pagolo, as he felt the point of the dagger pricking his throat; "it was she, not I: yes, she led me into it."
"Treachery, cowardice, and slander! I will make a group of those three monsters some day," said Benvenuto, "and it will be a hideous thing to see. She led you into it, you reptile! Do you forget that I was here and heard all that you said?"
"O Benvenuto," murmured Catherine, "you know that he lies when he says that, do you not?"
"Yes, yes," said Benvenuto, "I know that he lies when he says that, as he lied when he said that he was ready to marry you; but never fear, he shall be punished for the double lie."
"Yes, punish me," cried Pagolo, "but be merciful: punish me, but do not kill me."
"You lied when you said that she led you into it?"
"Yes, I lied; yes, I am the guilty one. I loved her madly; and you know, master, what love will lead a man to do."
"You lied when you said that you were ready to marry her?"